Counterweighted tower irrigator

ABSTRACT

A rotatable irrigating apparatus for dispensing water or other liquids over a large crop area has a central column or turret from which a sectioned pipe member carrying a liquid dispensing truss arm assembly extends radially outwardly for covering a large crop area or acreage during a 360* rotation thereof. The weight of the arm assembly is substantially balanced by an aligned, oppositely positioned and radially extending, relatively shorter length, sectioned counterweight truss that represents a non-spraying frame structure. The arm assembly as well as the counterweight assembly are connected at spaced intervals along their upper reaches by opposed tension gravity cables to a top or surmounting end portion of the column and are connected at more closely spaced intervals along their sides by tension wind cables to a cross-extending support arm that is carried by a lower end portion of the column or turret. Also, the upper end portion of the column has a relatively rotatably mounted anchor collar that is connected by guy or anchor cables to stationary ground anchor or tieing means.

United States Patent [1 Newell Feb. 26, 1974 1 COUNTERWEIGHTED TOWER IRRIGATOR Stephen D. Newell, Du Bois, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Alco Standard Corporation, Valley Forge, Pa.

22 Filed: June,30,1972

21 Appl.No.: 268,100

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 137/615, 137/344 [51] lnt. Cl B05b 3/00 [58] Field of Search... 137/615, 344; 239/212, 213,

Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Assistant Examiner-Ira S. Lazarus Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Parmelee, Miller, Welsh & Kratz [5 7] ABSTRACT A rotatable irrigating apparatus for dispensing water or other liquids over a large crop area has a central column or turret from which a sectioned pipe member carrying a liquid dispensing truss arm assembly extends radially outwardly for covering a large crop area or acreage during a 360 rotation thereof. The weight of the arm assembly is substantially balanced by an aligned, oppositely positioned and radially extending, relatively shorter length, sectioned counterweight truss that represents a non-spraying frame structure. The arm assembly as well as the counterweight assembly are connected at spaced intervals along their upper reaches by opposed tension gravity cables to a top or surmounting end portion of the column and are connected at more closely spaced intervals along their sides by tension wind cables to a cross-extending support arm that is carried by a lower end portion of the column or turret. Also, the upper end portion of the column has a relatively rotatably mounted anchor collar that is connected by guy or anchor cables to stationary ground anchor or tieing means.

21 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures Pmammraazglsn saw a nr 6 m N +IMIE+ m Em PAIENTEUFEBZBFBH 3,794,064

SHEET 3 OF 6 COUNTERWEIGHTED TOWER IRRIGATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention, relates to a stable, counterweighted, rotational, irrigation apparatus or device which has a relatively large field or area of coverage and employs a liquid spray single dispensing arm assembly, and particularly to an apparatus whose spray arm assembly is counterweighted and stress-balanced on a central rotating column for providing a maximized application area of liquid, utilizing a minimum of equipment.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, there have been many forms or irrigating devices, some are of a type that are moved along crop rows by a tractor or other power unit. However, the present need is for a relatively inexpensive type of device which will have a somewhat semi-permanent or more or less single-position mounting, at least during the crop growing season of the year, and that can be employed for a maximum area or field of coverage, but that will assure a minimized possibility of being damaged by wind gusts and other adverse weather conditions. A so-called rotatable turret type of sprinkling or irrigating apparatus has found favorable acceptance. Attention is called to U. S. Pat. No. 3,647,l39 of Mar. 7, [972 which shows a highly practical device of the latter type employing a pair of oppositely extending and opposed sprinkler arm assemblies. Such assemblies may be rotated for covering a relatively wide circular area for watering or irrigating.

However, there has been an additional need for a more simplified, relatively less expensive unit, device or apparatus which; although providing a lesser amount of liquid application for a given rate of rotation over a circular area, will at least approach the efficiency of a two-arm system. This has been attained by developing an apparatus having a single extending spray arm assembly that is operatively and in a stabilized manner carried by a central turret or column and utilized with an opposed counterweight truss.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has thus been an object of the present invention to devise a new and improved form of centrally supported, rotatably carried, overhead, liquid dispensing or irrigating apparatus that will efficiently and in a practical manner employ a single, outwardly projecting, liquid sprinkler or dispensing arm assembly.

Another object has been to devise an improved, rotating, overhead, liquid dispensing apparatus which will be fully stable under various operating conditions, although utilizing only one outwardly projecting spray arm assembly.

A further object of the invention has been to devise a counterweighted rotating irrigating apparatus that is relatively simple to assemble and disassemble, that is relatively inexpensive in cost, and that has a truss construction with tension-stressed members and counter balancing means such that substantially full stability is obtained in its mounting and utilization.

A still further object has been to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and fully stable, rotational, irrigating device that is capable of covering a large or maximized ground crop area.

These and other objects of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art from the illustrated embodiment of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a greatly reduced somewhat diagrammatic top plan view showing the utilization and field of coverage of a rotating tower operated overhead irrigating apparatus of the inventive construction.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view on the scale of and taken along the diagonal line 11-11 of FIG. 1; in this view, the tower has been rotated to align a liquid dispensing arm assembly with ground anchor cable means.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view showing details of the construction of a top end portion of a central mast, tower or column of the apparatus construction, and particularly illustrating a ring or collar mounting for ground anchor cables.

FIG.'4 is a fragmental elevation in partial section on the scale of and taken along the line IVIV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a construction embodying the invention, particularly illustrating opposed, sideextending,wind-resisting tension cable means cooperating with a bottom-positioned cruciform support frame of the central column and connected to opposite sides of a radially outwardly extending liquid dispensing truss arm assembly of coupled pipe members and to opposite end portions of a counterweight truss frame.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation on the scale of and of the structure of FIG. 5 with the wind cable means omitted and showing gravity-resisting tension cable means and ground anchor cable means that is connected to the top of the central column.

FIG. 7 is a fragmental plan view on an enlarged scale with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, particularly illustrating the sectioned construction and the end mounting of a liquid dispensing truss arm assembly which is shown in the form of an outrigger truss.

FIG. 8 is a fragmental view in elevation on the scale of and of the structure of FIG. 7, and particularly illustrating wheel and actuating means for rotating the structure about a circular, stationary base, platform or track.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged end section in elevation taken along line IX--IX of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view on a reduced scale with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, partially broken-off at its opposite ends, and particularly illustrating the central construction of the truss structure and the opposed in-line, horizontally, radially outwardly extending mounting of the counterweight truss with respect to the liquid dispensing truss arm assembly.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation on the scale of and of the structure of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view in elevation showing the construction of a typical section of the liquid dispensing truss arm assembly.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view on the scale of and of the section shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged end section in elevation taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of a section of the counterweight truss on the same scale as FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 16 is an end view on the scale of and of the section of FIG. 15; it will be noted that the truss sections in FIGS. 15 and 16 are shown turned 45 to illustrate their angular mounting on the central column, see also FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17 is a section on the scale of and taken along the line XVII-XVII of FIG. 15.

FIG 18 is an end view in elevation on the scale of FIGS. to 17 showing the mounting of the last or outermost counterweight truss section with respect to an end-positioned counterweight box.

FIG. 19 is a side view in elevation on the scale of FIG. 18 and showing the counterweight box of such figure.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmental section in elevation illustrating the construction of the lower end portion of the column, turret or tower structure shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 21 is a horizontal section on the scale of and taken along the line XXIXXI of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a horizontal section on the scale of and taken along the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20.

And FIG. 23 is a lower horizontal section on the scale of and taken along the line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus or device of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, has a mast, tower or column that carries a single irrigating spray boom, outrigger turss or arm assembly that extends radially outwardly and whose weight is compensated by an endwisealigned and opposed, relatively short length truss structure or frame provided with counterweight means. The counterweight means may utilize heavy metal, stone, concrete blocks or cement, but will have an open container 65 to carry any suitable weight means. The container 65 is preferably filled with easily available water. This simplifies handling of the equipment sections, in that the water may be drained from the tank when the sections of the apparatus are being moved into the field for assembly or are being disassembled for moving to a new location or to a protected area during winter months.

In the drawings, A represents a central turret, mast or rounded, vertically upwardly extending, rotatable tower or column; 8 represents a base or concrete platform for supporting the column A and providing an operating platform for actuating means; and C represents a substantially horizontal, radially outwardly extending, liquid dispensing or distributing or spray arm, truss, outrigger or boom assembly. D represents a relatively short length, opposed, inline, radially outwardly extending, supporting arm means, counterweight truss or frame which carries the counterweight means. E represents a cruciform-shaped support frame carried by and secured for rotation with a lower end portion of the column A. F represents a first tension cable means which is connected between opposite sides of the spray arm assembly C and between opposite sides of the counterweight truss D and oppositely extending end portions of a transversely extending cross arm assembly 101 of the support frame E; and G represents second or gravity tension cable means which is shown connected at wider spaced intervals than the cable means F between the upper side of the spray arm assembly C and between the upper side of the counterweight truss D and a top ring 10 that is secured to the column A. Tie-down ground anchor cable means is represented by H, and a turret operating or actuating mechanism for rotational movement on the base B is designated as I.

As illustrated, truss sections of the spray arm assembly C are of triangular shape and each utilizes a pipe member length 30 as a basic member. Endwiseconnected sections of the counterweight truss D are of tilted rectangular shape. Both the spray arm assemby C and the truss D are connected at their inner ends to a shorter length, endwise-in-line, crossextending support arm means of the support frame structure E that is carried by the lower end portion of the column A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus of the invention can be employed to cover a wide circular field of application, utilizing a relatively low profile. Although not shown in detail in the present application, it is contemplated that the apparatus will be power-actuated or rotated on the platform or base B by a mechanism l similar to that described in the specification and disclosed in FIGS. 2, 13 to 18, inclusive, and 23 of the Delong and Newell U. S. Pat. No. 3,647,139 of Mar. 7, 1972. In accordance with the invention, a tubular or a truss type of main tower or column may be provided for the counterweighted unit or apparatus,

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the hollow rotatable turret, column or mast A is shown of substantially circular section and as provided at its upper end with a pair of rings or plates 10 and 15. The lower ring or plate 10 is shown securely mounted, as by weld metal w, on an upwardly extending stub shaft 12 that is secured by weld metal w to extend from the bore of the column A. The lower plate or ring 10 has a group of circumferentially positioned or mounted closed eyelets, loops or ring lugs 11 secured thereto by weld metal w to extend outwardlytherefrom and having a bore or eye portions 11a to provide receiving connectors for the gravity cable means G. It will thus be apparent that connecting loops of the cable means G will hold the spray arm assembly C and the counterweight truss D on a substantially horizontal, longitudinally extending, in-line relationship adjacent the lower end of the column A. See FIG. 6.

For connecting upper ends of the anchor cable means H in a relative rotatable relation with respect to the uppermost end of the stub shaft 12, an upper plate or ring 15 is provided. As shown particularly in FIG. 4, the upper ring 15 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 12 by means of a sleeve bearing 16 and a thrust bearing 17, and is retained in an operating position thereon by a cross-extending cotter pin 19. The upper ring 15 also has quadrant-positioned eyelets, loops or ring lugs 18 that are secured by weld metal w to extend therefrom, see also FIG. 3, for receiving the upper loop ends of the anchor cable means H. The outer-lower ends of the anchor cable means H may be secured by loops to ground-embedded piers or anchors 20 of concrete or other suitable construction by means of forwardly extending eyelet anchor pins 21 that are anchored within each pier 20, see particularly FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 7 to 9, inclusive, illustrate the construction of cruciform-shaped lower support structure E that is secured to and extends horizontally from the lower portion of central column A (see FIGS. 20 and 22) and has a sidewise-projecting relatively long arm member or frame 101 and a cross-extending shorter arm member or frame 100. The shorter frame 100 is in endwisealignment with the truss assembly or outrigger C and counterweight truss or frame D (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The frame 100, like the frame 101, carries (see FIGS.

8 and 10) wheel and actuating means I for rotative movement on the base or platform B.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, each end of the long frame or arm structure 101 is provided with end eyelets or U-mounts 102 for receiving ends of the wind tension cable means F. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, each side half or portion of the arm 101 is made up of a plurality of spaced-apart cross-extending frame portions or sections that are defined by horizontal top members 106 and vertical side members 105. Longitudinally extending angle-shaped members 107 are secured to the comers or each cross frame, as by weld metal, and diagonal angle pieces or members 108 extend between each cross frame portion or section for reinforcing the construction. It is thus apparent that the frame or arm structure 101 serves not only as a tension tie with the liquid dispensing truss assembly C and counterweight assembly D, but also (like the frame or arm structure 100) as a rotatable support for the overall construction, including the column A.

As shown in FIGS. l2, l3 and 14, the spray arm assembly C is made-up of truss sections 25 of triangular shape,with individual lengths of fluid-carrying pipe or conduit members 30 serving as the main or upper supporting member of each section. Cross frames are provided at ends and spaced locations along each truss section; an angle-shaped member of steel or other suitable material provides a lower, cross-extending, horizontal connector member 26 for a pair of inclined, upwardly extending and converging side members 27 to define each cross frame. The members 26 and 27 may be welded together at their corner ends and the members 27 may be secured at their upper ends by weld metal w to downwardly projecting tabs 33a of a lower half of a two-part slit clamp 33, see particularly FIG. 14. As indicated particularly in FIG. 12, each clamp 33 is adapted to extend about the pipe member 30 of each truss section 25 at a longitudinally spaced location along its length to serve as a support for an associated cross frame. Each clamp 33 also has an eyelet, loop or eye lug 35 secured to project from its upper half for receiving the lower ends of the cables of the gravity tension cable means G.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 13 and 14, opposite ends of the cross members 26 of each cross frame of each truss 25 are provided with eyelets, loops or eye lugs 42 to provide opposite side loops for receiving end loops of the wind cable means F. The eyelets 42 are shown as having a closer spacing, represented for example by each panel portion of each truss section 25 that is provided by a pair of cross frames defined by members 26 and 27 that is closer than the longitudinal spacing shown for the cable loops or eyelets 35. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the spaced cross frames of each truss section 25 are connected by reinforcing diagonal members 29, and by longitudinally extending angle-shaped pieces or members 28 extending along the corners or joints defined between the members 26 and 27 of each cross frame. Weld members may be employed for securing the members 28 to the inside corners of the members 26 and 27. The equal longitudinal spacing between the side loops or eyelets 42 is shown as about one half the equal longitudinal spacing between the top or upper loops or eyelets 35. This enables the use of a greater or maximum number of cables for the wind tension cable means F. As shown particularly in FIG 14, the parts of each clamp 33 are removably secured together and about a portion of an associated pipe member length 30 by nut and bolt assemblies 34. Also, the connection between the lower corners or the inclined vertical members 27 and the horizontal member 26 of each cross frame may be reinforced by pairs of end pads that are bolted together at 41.

As illustrated particularly in FIGS. 10 and 11, the spray arm assembly C as well as the counterweight assembly or truss D are endwise-secured in-line with respect to each other and to opposite ends of shorter length, cross-extending, arm assembly or means 100 of centrally disposed, cruciform-shaped, support arm construction E. This may be accomplished by bolting or welding them in position. However, each of the pipe members 30 of the spray arm assemby C is at one end provided with a coupling housing 31 and an upwardly projecting liquid spray nozzle or head 32, and is provided at its other end with a nose coupling part which is adapted to fit within the housing part 31 of an adjacent pipe length in a fluid-sealed and coupled relation with respect thereto. See for example coupling constructions such as illustrated by Beyer US. Pat. No. 2,857,660, Frishof US. Pat. No. 2,797,937 or Rickard US. Pat. Nos. 2,916,306 or 2,962,314.

The construction of the counterweight truss or frame assembly D is illustrated particularly in FIGS. 15 to 19, inclusive. It may be made-up of sections of weldedtogether,- angle-shaped frame members consisting of longitudinally extending corner members 52, 54 and 55, and cross extending end and intermediate frames of rectangular shape. Endwise-connected angle-shaped members 59 of the intermediate cross-frames, unlike endwise-connected angle-shaped members 51 and 53 of the end cross-frames are not flanged (compare FIGS. 16 and 17). As shown in FIG. 16, the members 51 and 53 are flanged to receive rivets or bolt and nut assemblies 51a for securing each truss section in an endwise-aligned relation to an adjacent section. Longitudinally extending, angle-shaped members 52, 54 and 55 serve as connecting corners for each cross-frame of each truss section of the truss D. Cross-members 56 serve to reinforce each cross-frame (see FIGS. 16 and 17 and to cooperate with diagonal tie members 57 that extend longitudinally along each truss section 50. In FIG. 15, the transverse end parts of each frame or truss section 50 are designated as 58.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, each truss section 50 has opposite, side-extending eyelet lugs or connector loops 60 along opposite sides thereof at spaced intervals for receiving the wind cable means F, and has upwardly extending eyelet lugs or loops 61 at wider spaced intervals along the top of the structure for receiving the gravity cable means G. As in the case of the spray arm assemby C, the counterweight assembly D will preferably have the side eyelet lugs 60 at about half the spaced intervals of the upper eyelet lugs 61.

Particularly referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 and also to FIGS. 10 and 11, the extreme outer end section 50 of the counterweight truss or frame D is provided with a boxlike counterweight structure or container that may be bolted or riveted thereto. As shown particularly in FIG. 18, a rectangular shaped forward end frame 62 is secured, as by weld metal, on the forward end of the counterweight box or container 65 and is, in turn, secured by bolt and nut assemblies or rivets 63 to an adjacent or outermost end frame of the truss D. The container 65 has reinforcing frame members 66 for framing upright side wall enclosing plate members 67 and a bottom closure plate member 68 that are secured, as by weld metal, to the frame members 66 and with respect to each other to form or provide a water-tight box having an open top or mouth portion. The box 65, for drainage purposes, is provided with a valve 70 which extends from a bottom portion thereof through a side plate member 67, adjacent the bottom closure plate member 68. The box 65 is also shown provided with upper eyelets or lugs 72 that are secured to top members of its surrounding frame structure for receiving end loops of gravity cable means G, and with sideextending connector eyelets or lugs 71 that are secured to side members for receiving ends of the wind cable means F.

FIGS. to 23, inclusive, are illustrative of the rotatable mounting of the column or turret A on the table or platfonn B. As shown particularly in FIG. 20, a lower boxlike or rectangular upright mounting frame structure 75 has a heavy bottom plate 76 that is secured on the base or platform B by bolt and nut assemblies 76a, and has a heavy top closure plate or member 77 which serves as a rotatable support for the column A through the agency of a bearing plate 78 and a pair of bronze washers 83 and 84. The bearing plate 78 is shown secured to the closure plate member 77 by bolts 78a and the bronze washer 83 is shown as resting thereon. Conduit or pipe member 98 extends upwardly through the top closure member 17 and rotatably receives a downwardly extending spider or leg part 81 of an extension or upper frame structure 80. A collar 82 at its lower end rests on the bronze washer 84 opposite the inside of the spider 81 and is rotatably carried on the vertical portion of the conduit member 98.

The collar 82 is held in position by a threaded nut 85 that frictionally engages an upper threaded end portion of the conduit pipe member 98 that, in turn, engages a ring bearing 86. The ring bearing 86 is carried by the upper end of the collar 82 in an operative position about the pipe member 98. Since the pipe member 98 is adapted to remain in a fixed or non-rotatable position and, in effect, serves as a centrally disposed pivot shaft for the rotation of the turret A, means must be provided for permitting relative rotational movement between the upper end portion of the conduit member 98 and a connecting conduit or pipe member 92. As shown, the upper end of the pipe member 98 has a bearing hub extension part 98b secured thereto by weld metal w, and extending rotatably upwardly within the bore of a vertical hub portion 90b that projects centrally downwardly from a rectangular-shaped distributor head 90. An O-ring gasket 91 is shown carried by the vertical hub portion 90b to seal-off the rotatable connection between the bore and the hub extension part 98b.

Pipe member 92 is provided at its outer end with a coupling housing part 31 and is adapted to extend along the one end portion of the shorter length arm structure 100 to receive a nose end part 45 of the pipe member 30 of an innermost truss section of the spray arm assembly C. The inner end of the pipe member 92 is shown in FIG. 20 extending into a horizontal armlike bore portion 90a of the distributor head 90, and sealed-off with respect thereto by an O-ring gasket 93. It will thus be seen that the upper frame structure 80 and the cruciform-shaped support arm structure E are rotatably carried with the column A on the stationary lower frame structure 75 for rotation about the vertical end portion of the pipe member 98.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 20 and 22, frame members and side enclosing members or plates of the rotatable upper frame 80 are secured together by bolt and nut assemblies 94. The upper end of the structure 80 is shown closed-off by a heavy top or end plate 95. The bottom end of the column A is secured by weld metal w to a bottom mounting flange plate 96 which rests on the heavy top end plate 95 and is secured in position with respect thereto by bolt and nut assemblies In the embodiment disclosed in the drawings, the main or distributing arm means of assembly C has a ratio of length with respect to length of the auxiliary, counterweight or supporting arm or arm assembly D of about 4 to 1, thus emphasizing the fact that the invention advantageously makes posssible the practical employment of a distributing arm C of substantially great length by the use of counterweight support arm or arm assembly D of materially shorter length. Advantageously, the length of the distributing arm assembly will not be greater than about one-third the length of supporting arm means for the counterweight 65. The distributing arm and the supporting arm means each has a moment arm measured horizontally from the vertical axis about which the apparatus rotates to the center of gravity of each. The distributing arm has a moment determined by multiplying its mass by its moment arm that is substantially equalled by the moment of the supporting arm means as determined by multiplying its mass by its moment arm. This is true although the moment arm of the latter is substantially shorter than the moment arm of the former.

I claim:

1. In a rotating tower-operated overhead irrigating apparatus for a ground area, having a centrally disposed operating base, a centrally upwardly extending column rotatably mounted on the base, a substantially horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing truss arm assembly of coupled pipe members mounted on and projecting radially from the column for rotation therewith, and liquid supply conduit means connected through the column to the coupled pipe members of said liquid dispensing arm assembly, the combination of a counterweight truss carried by said column and projecting substantially horizontally outwardly therefrom in a radial in-line opposed relation with respect to said dispensing arm assembly, first tension cable means connected (at) between spaced positions along said dispensing arm assembly (to) and an upper end portion of said column and (at) between spaced positions along said counterweight truss (to) and the upper end portion of said column, a lower substantially horizontally outwardly extending support arm carried by a lower end portion of said column in a substantially right-angular relationship with respect to said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss, second tension cable means connected at spaced positions along opposite sides of said dispensing arm assembly and connected at spaced positions along opposite sides of said counterweight truss to opposite end portions of said support arm, and (actuating) means carried by said column and cooperating with the base for rotating said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss fully 360 on said column to cover the ground area.

2. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said first cable means extending in-line upwardly from said dispensing arm assembly and from said counterweight truss assembly.

3. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, the spaced positions of said first tension cable means having a spaced relation therebetween that is about twice the spaced relation between the spaced positions of said second tension cable means.

4. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 3, the spaced relation between the spaced positions of said first tension cable means being about 30 feet.

5. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a ring fixedly secured on the upper end of said column and having cable-receiving eyelet means thereon for securing the upper ends of said first cable means to the upper end portion of said column.

6. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a connector ring non-rotatably secured on the upper end portion of said column, and said first tension cable means being secured to the upper end portion of said column by said connector ring.

7. In an irrigating device as defined in claim 6, a stub shaft projecting upwardly from said connector ring, a collar rotatably secured on said stub shaft, and' tiedown anchor cable means secured to said collar and extending outwardly in a spread pattern therefrom.

8. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a central support frame on the lower end portion of said column which carries said support arm, a shorter length connector support arm at substantially right angles to said firt-mentioned support arm, and said connector support arm being ridigly connected at its opposite outer ends between inner ends of said dispensing arm assembly and of said counterweight truss.

9. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 8, a counterweight means mounted on an outer end portion of said counterweight truss.

10. An irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said dispensing arm assembly defining a triangular-shaped truss made up of endwise bolted-together sections, and each said section carrying one pipe member length of said assembly as an upper connecting corner member thereof.

11. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 10, said counterweight truss being made up of metal frame member sections of rectangular shape provided with flanged end members that are bolted together in an endwise relation with respect to each other.

weight means. 7

14. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, counterweight means secured on the outer end of said counterweight truss, and cable means connected between said counterweight means and opposite end portions of said support arm, and cable means connected adjacent opposite sides of said counterweight means to the upper end portion of said column.

15. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a counterweight means on an extreme outer end of said counterweight truss, said counterweight means comprising a rectangular container defined by closed bottom and side walls and an open top end portion for receiving and carrying weight-producing means therein.

16. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said support arm being positioned on a common horizontal plane with said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss. and said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly being mounted on said support arm and having wheel means engaging the operating base for movement thereabout.

17. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a cruciform-shaped support arm assembly carried by the lower end portion of said column, one member of said support arm assembly being said support arm and a second member thereof being a horizontal support member having a right-angular cross-extending relation with respect to said support arm, and said second support member being connected at its opposite ends between inner end portions of said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss for mounting them on said column.

18. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 17, said support arm and said second member being positioned on a common horizontal plane that represents a common horizontal plane of extension of said dispensing arm assembly and of said counterweight truss.

19. In an irrigation system as defined in claim 18, wheel means carried by opposite end portions of said support arm and of said second member and operatively engaging the base for movement thereon and thereabout.

20. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 17, said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly being mounted on and projecting downwardly from opposite end portions of said support arm and of said second support member and having wheels for circular movement about a vertical axis of said column, and said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly comprising wheels engaging an upper surface of the operating base for rotative movement thereon about said column.

21. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said dispensing arm assembly having a predetermined length, and said counterweight truss extending horizontally outwardly from said column a maximum distance of one-third of said predetermined length. 

1. In a rotating tower-operated overhead irrigating apparatus for a ground area, having a centrally disposed operating base, a centrally upwardly extending column rotatably mounted on the base, a substantially horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing truss arm assembly of coupled pipe members mounted on and projecting radially from the column for rotation therewith, and liquid supply conduit means connected through the column to the coupled pipe members of said liquid dispensing arm assembly, the Combination of a counterweight truss carried by said column and projecting substantially horizontally outwardly therefrom in a radial in-line opposed relation with respect to said dispensing arm assembly, first tension cable means connected (at) between spaced positions along said dispensing arm assembly (to) and an upper end portion of said column and (at) between spaced positions along said counterweight truss (to) and the upper end portion of said column, a lower substantially horizontally outwardly extending support arm carried by a lower end portion of said column in a substantially right-angular relationship with respect to said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss, second tension cable means connected at spaced positions along opposite sides of said dispensing arm assembly and connected at spaced positions along opposite sides of said counterweight truss to opposite end portions of said support arm, and (actuating) means carried by said column and cooperating with the base for rotating said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss fully 360* on said column to cover the ground area.
 2. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said first cable means extending in-line upwardly from said dispensing arm assembly and from said counterweight truss assembly.
 3. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, the spaced positions of said first tension cable means having a spaced relation therebetween that is about twice the spaced relation between the spaced positions of said second tension cable means.
 4. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 3, the spaced relation between the spaced positions of said first tension cable means being about 30 feet.
 5. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a ring fixedly secured on the upper end of said column and having cable-receiving eyelet means thereon for securing the upper ends of said first cable means to the upper end portion of said column.
 6. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a connector ring non-rotatably secured on the upper end portion of said column, and said first tension cable means being secured to the upper end portion of said column by said connector ring.
 7. In an irrigating device as defined in claim 6, a stub shaft projecting upwardly from said connector ring, a collar rotatably secured on said stub shaft, and tie-down anchor cable means secured to said collar and extending outwardly in a spread pattern therefrom.
 8. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a central support frame on the lower end portion of said column which carries said support arm, a shorter length connector support arm at substantially right angles to said firt-mentioned support arm, and said connector support arm being ridigly connected at its opposite outer ends between inner ends of said dispensing arm assembly and of said counterweight truss.
 9. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 8, a counterweight means mounted on an outer end portion of said counterweight truss.
 10. An irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said dispensing arm assembly defining a triangular-shaped truss made up of endwise bolted-together sections, and each said section carrying one pipe member length of said assembly as an upper connecting corner member thereof.
 11. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 10, said counterweight truss being made up of metal frame member sections of rectangular shape provided with flanged end members that are bolted together in an endwise relation with respect to each other.
 12. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 15, said container having a drain valve in its bottom portion for draining-off liquid-weight-producing means therefrom.
 13. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 11, said sections of said counterweight truss being of open framework construction, and said counterweight truss being of rectangular shape in section and being secured in a tilted angular relationshIp endwise to said counterweight means.
 14. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, counterweight means secured on the outer end of said counterweight truss, and cable means connected between said counterweight means and opposite end portions of said support arm, and cable means connected adjacent opposite sides of said counterweight means to the upper end portion of said column.
 15. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a counterweight means on an extreme outer end of said counterweight truss, said counterweight means comprising a rectangular container defined by closed bottom and side walls and an open top end portion for receiving and carrying weight-producing means therein.
 16. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said support arm being positioned on a common horizontal plane with said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss. and said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly being mounted on said support arm and having wheel means engaging the operating base for movement thereabout.
 17. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, a cruciform-shaped support arm assembly carried by the lower end portion of said column, one member of said support arm assembly being said support arm and a second member thereof being a horizontal support member having a right-angular cross-extending relation with respect to said support arm, and said second support member being connected at its opposite ends between inner end portions of said dispensing arm assembly and said counterweight truss for mounting them on said column.
 18. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 17, said support arm and said second member being positioned on a common horizontal plane that represents a common horizontal plane of extension of said dispensing arm assembly and of said counterweight truss.
 19. In an irrigation system as defined in claim 18, wheel means carried by opposite end portions of said support arm and of said second member and operatively engaging the base for movement thereon and thereabout.
 20. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 17, said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly being mounted on and projecting downwardly from opposite end portions of said support arm and of said second support member and having wheels for circular movement about a vertical axis of said column, and said means for rotating said dispensing arm assembly comprising wheels engaging an upper surface of the operating base for rotative movement thereon about said column.
 21. In an irrigating apparatus as defined in claim 1, said dispensing arm assembly having a predetermined length, and said counterweight truss extending horizontally outwardly from said column a maximum distance of one-third of said predetermined length. 